NAPOLCOM to file charges vs. Francis Leo Marcos over police uniform controversy

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is set to pursue criminal charges against social media personality Norman Mangusin, also known online as Francis Leo Marcos, over the controversial use of a Philippine National Police (PNP) uniform.

In a strongly worded statement, NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan stressed that the police uniform represents honor, duty, and sacrifice, and should never be treated as a costume or used for publicity.

“We previously issued a stern warning that the police uniform is not, and will never be, used as a costume. It must never be disrespected,” the official said.

NAPOLCOM said Mangusin allegedly ignored the warning and made a mockery of the uniform worn daily by more than 225,000 police officers across the country.

“He chose to make a mockery of the police uniform — the same uniform that both my father and my mother wore. The same uniform 225,000 policemen wear every day. Many have died in service wearing that uniform,” the statement added.

In solidarity with the PNP, the commission said it would initiate criminal charges and ordered its Legal Affairs Service (LAS) and Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to coordinate with the police to file the appropriate cases.

“Ayaw na sana namin patulan ito, but you gave us no choice. Do not use the PNP uniform for clout. You will surely pay for it,” the official warned.

Mangusin: Photo was edited

Mangusin, however, insists the viral image was fake. In a series of posts, he claimed the photo showing him in a police uniform was an edited image he created years ago out of curiosity.

“For your information, the image you are seeing is edited. I made that in January 2019. I was just curious to see what I would look like if I became a police officer,” he said.

He explained that the uniform was photographed while hanging on a mannequin and that he later edited his face into the image using Photoshop.

“I never dared to wear a police uniform. You certainly never saw me walking on the street wearing an officer’s uniform,” he said, denying that he ever wore or publicly posted such an image.

Despite his denial, Mangusin apologized for any possible violation of the law and said he was ready to face any accusations.

“If you believe I violated any law, I apologize, and I am ready to answer any accusations,” he said.

In a separate video, however, he appeared defiant, lashing out at critics and insisting he was not interested in engaging with what he called a fabricated issue.

PNP warns public

The Philippine National Police also issued a reminder that the police uniform is not a costume and that unauthorized use may lead to serious criminal charges.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the police are studying a possible complaint against Mangusin, who went viral after allegedly wearing a police uniform, cursing, and challenging Police Regional Office 2 Director Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr. to a fistfight.

Under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, unauthorized use of a police uniform or insignia carries a penalty of one month and one day to six months in prison.

Impersonating a police officer, under Article 177, may result in imprisonment of up to four years and two months.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned that impersonating officers is not only illegal but also dangerous to the public.

“This is not only against the law, it is also a danger to our citizens. The responsibility of a police officer is no joke. It is a position of public trust. Do not test the law,” he said.

Authorities have yet to confirm when formal charges will be filed, but the controversy has once again thrust the polarizing online figure into the national spotlight.